Caption:
SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 1, 2008) -- Landing craft air cushion (LCAC) 63,
assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, enters the well deck of the
forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while
transporting simulated evacuees from Yokosuka, Japan. At the request of
the Kanagawa Prefecture Government, Essex is participating in the
evacuation phase of this year's Kanagawa Prefecture Government disaster
response drill. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed
U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76,
the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. U.S.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel S. Weber
(Released)
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